‘2’ | + PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. 167 
head. Sides of abdomen more densely pigmented; pectorals with many 
black pigment cells. 
The ovaries are two large sacs, from the dorsal walls of which the 
oviferous tissues are suspended. Shortly after giving birth to its young 
the oviducts shrink and the ovaries occupy but a small space. It was 
_ stated above that the eggs are freed from the follicle before they are 
fertilized. It must be borne in mind, however, that this species lives 
-~ ata considerable depth of water and that many of the tissues are dis- 
torted when the fish is brought to the surface and the great pressure 
of water is removed. ‘To this cause is perhaps to be ascribed the fact 
_ that the eggs readily flow from the body with slight pressure at any 
time during gestation. 
Sebastodes auriculatus (Girard). (Plate xvi, figs. 1-3.) 
R. Smith, 785, June. 
This species is Common in shoal water with the young of S. miniatus. 
It does not enter the bay as it does at San Francisco, and little use is 
made of it, on account of its small size. It is a valuable fish and will 
doubtless be utilized in the near future. The egg possesses a very large 
yellow oil sphere and the larve are not pigmented at hatching. 
Sebastodes rastrelliger Jordan & Gilbert. 
Only a single individual observed, on August 25, 
Sebastodes vexillaris Jordan & Gilbert. 
J. & G., 80a, 455; id., 81, 58; id., 82, 672; R. Smith, ’85, June; E. & E., Proce. 
U.S. Nat. Mus., 1888, 465; E. & E., ’89 (as S. carnatus). 
Next to S. miniatus this is probably the most abundant of the Rock 
Cods. Itis highly prized, being considered especially fine flavored and 
fat. It is hardier than the other species and is frequently brought into 
the market alive. While all the other species caught on Cortes Banks 
ejected the stomach when brought to the surface, this species retained 
it. It equals S. miniatus in size and its infinite variations from bright 
searlet to flesh color and dark olive render it sometimes difficult of 
determination. We soon found that if there was anything “curious” 
in the markets which in any way resembled this species it was pretty 
safe to call it verillaris. 
It is with young in February; the embryos are sometimes still alive 
when brought to market. 
Sebastodes chrysomelas Jordan & Gilbert. 
R. Smith, ’85, June; E. & E., ’89 (as S. chrysomelas purpureus). 
Abundant in shallow water and usually discarded on account of its 
small size. It yaries greatly in color and the variety named by us is 
seareely worthy of a name. It does not frequently come into the mar- 
kets, since the regular rock-cod boats usually go beyond its haunts to 
fish in deeper water. 
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